Nigeria’s pilgrims heading for the 2026 Hajj will be allowed to access their Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) in cash, following a fresh approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria, effectively postponing the full transition to a digital payment system until 2027.
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The decision comes after sustained engagements between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and the apex bank, amid mounting concerns over the country’s readiness to immediately adopt a card-based PTA regime.
In an official communication issued by its Department of Currency Operations and Branch Management, the central bank confirmed that cash payments for PTA would be permitted strictly for the 2026 Hajj exercise, describing the move as a temporary concession.
Despite the adjustment, the bank reiterated that the long-term plan remains unchanged, emphasizing that a fully electronic, card-based PTA system will be implemented for the 2027 Hajj. It also urged NAHCON to intensify awareness campaigns to prepare pilgrims for the transition.
The approval has been met with relief across the Hajj sector, particularly among intending pilgrims who had expressed reservations about the feasibility of a sudden switch to digital payments.
Many of the concerns raised focused on low levels of digital literacy especially among elderly pilgrims as well as fears of technical glitches, card loss, and inadequate support services in Saudi Arabia during peak pilgrimage periods.
Stakeholders say the decision to retain cash PTA for now will help avoid operational disruptions and ensure a smoother pilgrimage experience.
A senior official at a state pilgrims’ welfare board noted that the move would prevent confusion and logistical challenges that could have arisen from an abrupt transition.
Financial analysts, however, view the development as a strategic delay rather than a reversal of policy. They maintain that Nigeria’s broader cashless agenda remains firmly on track, with the timeline simply adjusted to accommodate existing realities.
According to experts, the eventual adoption of a card-based PTA system is expected to enhance transparency, improve security, and reduce the risks associated with handling large volumes of cash during international travel.
For NAHCON, the development presents a dual responsibility providing immediate relief to pilgrims while accelerating preparations for a seamless transition to digital payments.
Observers say achieving this will require sustained public sensitization, stronger collaboration with financial institutions, and pilot programmes designed to familiarize pilgrims with electronic payment systems ahead of 2027.
There are also recommendations for the deployment of dedicated technical support teams in Saudi Arabia to assist Nigerian pilgrims when the digital system becomes fully operational.
The development highlights the broader challenge of implementing financial reforms in a diverse society, where infrastructural gaps and socio-cultural factors must be carefully considered.
As preparations for the 2026 Hajj continue under the temporary cash framework, attention is already shifting toward ensuring system readiness and public confidence ahead of the full digital rollout in 2027.
(Daily Nigerian)